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Welcome to the Archives of the Diocese of Burlington
Mission
The mission of the diocesan Archives is to collect, organize, preserve and (when possible) make available for research the historical and vital records of the Diocese of Burlington, as well as the materials which reflect the work of the Church within the Diocese to promote an understanding of and cultivate an appreciation for the Catholic Church’s history and heritage in the State of Vermont. In addition to caring for events of the past, the Archives exist to ensure that diocesan acts created today are preserved for future generations.
What are the Diocesan Archives?
The Archives of the Diocese of Burlington contain historical materials pertaining to bishops, the chancery, parishes, diocesan offices, institutions, personal papers, audiovisual materials, and photographs as well as a diverse collection of relics that are available to be borrowed by parishes for veneration.
The Diocesan Archives are a service organization that exist primarily for their institutional usefulness to the administration of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington. Therefore, it is the primary purpose of the archival function to assist the Bishop, Chancery, and all offices and agencies of the diocese with the information necessary to fulfill their responsibilities.
Learn about the history of the Diocese of Burlington.
Our collection management guidelines
The Diocese of Burlington Archives accepts materials that have enduring historical and administrative value to document the Catholic experience in Vermont. We focus on official diocesan records—documented information created or received by diocesan offices, parishes, schools, Catholic institutions, and organizations that operate under diocesan authority. This includes materials in any format that were created as part of official Church business, sacramental life, or activities that document Vermont Catholic history.
What is not collected
Our limited resources require us to focus carefully on materials with lasting significance. These guidelines help us preserve the most historically significant materials that best document the official life, sacramental ministry, and evolving story of the Catholic Church in Vermont for future generations.
Examples of materials that typically fall outside our collection guidelines include:
Routine parish communications such as weekly bulletin announcements, standard form letters, or temporary meeting notices that don’t document significant parish decisions, events, or changes in ministry
Personal devotional items like individual prayer books, rosaries, or private religious objects (unless they have documented historical significance to a specific parish, bishop, or major diocesan event)
General religious items unconnected to our diocese such as religious artifacts, books, or memorabilia from other dioceses, countries, or Catholic organizations that have no documented relationship to Vermont Catholic history
Mass-produced religious materials such as standard Bibles used in religious education classes, commercially printed prayer cards, or other items produced for general distribution rather than created specifically for diocesan use
Liturgical items, vestments, or church furnishings such as surplus candlesticks, vestments, or other sacred vessels and objects—an online inventory of liturgical and devotional items from closed churches have been made available to other parishes and Catholic institutions in the Diocese. Please review the Office of Liturgy and Worship’s process for donating to or receiving items from the Diocesan Liturgical Storage
Historic Record Collection
The diocesan Archives serve as the repository for the historical and administrative records of the Diocese of Burlington. These records are arranged in specific collections such as the records and papers of bishops, Chancery offices and consultative bodies, historic records of parishes and schools and sacramental records. Each of these collections contain various records which may include photographs, audiovisual material, printed parish histories, programs from significant diocesan or parish events, maps and blueprints, and artifacts.
Currently, the Diocesan Archives are not open for public research. For more information on the types of records available for research, for specific research questions, or sacramental record inquiries, please contact the Archives directly.
Sacramental Record Collection
The Archives repository makes the heritage of the Diocese of Burlington available for historical researchers within the guidelines of the canon, civil, and diocesan law. The Archives staff views genealogical research as a legitimate and important effort in assisting individuals to place themselves and their families within the context of the history of the Catholic church in Vermont. The Diocesan Archives does not maintain cemetery records.
We will assist researchers within the constraints of available resources such as financial, equipment, space, and staff.
Sacramental records – genealogy research
Though the Diocese of Burlington was established in 1853, sacramental records begin as early as 1830. Individuals seeking sacramental records for genealogical research will not receive certified copies of records. Rather, the Archives staff will provide names, dates, and places where sacraments (baptism, marriage, burials) took place, if the records can be located.
Request records – genealogy/historical
Personal sacramental records
All current sacramental registers are retained at the parish where the sacrament took place. Individuals seeking certified copies of their record from an active parish should contact that parish. For contact information for the active parishes of the Diocese of Burlington, visit the parish directory.
The Diocesan Archives will assist in sacramental records retrieval only in the event that individuals are unsure of the church where the sacrament took place.
Request assistance with personal records
Orphanage Records
Records of the former St. Joseph’s Orphanage are maintained by Vermont Catholic Charities.
- Former residents or immediate relatives of former residents must make requests in writing and provide a valid photo ID.
- Those seeking orphanage information for genealogy purposes must also make requests in writing and provide a valid photo ID; only entry and/or exit dates relating ancestors to the Orphanage will be provided.
Please carefully review the access policy and procedures for requesting records from St. Joseph’s Orphanage.
Archives Detective
Vermont Catholic Magazine‘s quarterly column
Our Lady of the Flood
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Spring 2023 (March 2023)
Michaud Memorial Manor was crated from the Triple-L Motel
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Winter 2022 (December 2022)
Our blessing cup – Christ’s blood shared in communion
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2022 (September 2022)
Let’s Eat! Celebrating Burlington’s New Bishops
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Summer 2022 (June 2022)
The Sisters of Mercy in Vermont
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Winter 2021 (December 2021)
St. Joseph’s College – Vermont’s First Catholic High School
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2021 (September 2021)
Building St. Anthony Church – French Canadians in Burlington’s South End
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Summer 2021 (June 2021)
Building St. Joseph Church – French Canadians in Burlington
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Spring 2021 (March 2021)
Remembering Vermont Catholic Schools
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2020 (September 2020)
In-depth details – St. Mary Convent and School, St. Peter Convent and School, St. Edmund Juniorate, Holy Ghost Convent and School, and St. Stanislaus Kostka School
What’s in a name and why is it written like that?
Vermont Catholic Magazine, Summer 2020 (June 2020)
More from the Archives
Look for #FromtheArchives articles in Vermont Catholic Online News, Coffee with Vermont Catholics, and posts on diocesan social media accounts by following @DioBurlington on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Archives Month Vermont Catholic Online News, October 16, 2019
Cause for Celebration: Bishop de Goësbriand to be recommended for sainthood Vermont Catholic Online News, April 17, 2019
A bishop’s request Vermont Catholic Magazine, Summer 2017
A donation of sacred vessels Vermont Catholic Magazine, Fall 2017
Preserving Our Past Vermont Catholic Magazine, September 2016
